Netflix Film ‘Woman Of The Hour’ Inspired By ‘Dating Game Killer’
The new Netflix film, Woman of the Hour, bring the story of the “Dating Game Killer” to the streaming world. As in real life, the film details an episode of The Dating Game, in which one of the bachelors turned out to have been a dangerous threat. The film also reflects Netflix’s reputation as a true crime story hot spot.
The Film Marks The Directorial Debut Of Its Lead Actress
As the film details, serial killer Rodney Alcala appeared on an episode of The Dating Game, where he won a date with contestant Cheryl Bradshaw. At the time, he had already killed five women. When news of this came to light, Alcala’s appearance on the show earned him the nickname, the “Dating Game Killer.”
Anna Kendrick appears in the film as Cheryl Bradshaw. The film also marks the actress’ directorial debut. Actor Daniel Zovatto portrays Alcala.
As noted by Business Insider, the premise is largely close to real life. However, some details are changed for the film. Notably, the film’s host, Ed Burke, played by Tony Hale, is a fictional version of the game show’s real host, Jim Lange.
Bradshaw and Alcala both appeared on the September 13, 1978 episode of the game show. As part of the series’ format, a bachelorette asks three bachelors questions until she chooses one to go on a date with.
Bradshaw & Alcala Were Set For A Date At Magic Mountain
By the time Alcala appeared on the show, he was actually on the FBI’s top 10 most wanted fugitives list. However, the game show didn’t do a background check, allowing him to appear on the show.
Appearing as “Bachelor No. 1,” Alcala proved popular with the audience. In the end, Bradshaw picked Alcala for a potential date. However, things didn’t necessarily go as planned.
The two were initially set to take tennis lessons together, followed with a trip to Magic Mountain. However, things changed after Bradshaw got to know Alcala backstage and began to grow “uneasy” with him, as she claimed to The Sunday Telegraph.
Ultimately, Bradshaw declined going out with Alcala. In the end, Bradshaw’s intuition likely saved her life, with her going on to keep a low profile in the years since.
A few years following his appearance, Alcala was later convicted of the murder of a 12-year-old girl. Initially put on death row, the verdict was overturned. After two more trials, he was convicted of six murders and once again sentenced to death.
However, he ultimately died of natural causes at the age of 77. The Associated Press claimed authorities believed he may have killed around 130 victims, but the true number remains unknown.
Woman of the Hour reflects Netflix’s reputation for true crime dramas and documentaries. The streaming platform has also found recent success with Ryan Murphy’s Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, which serves as the second installment of the Monster anthology.
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